Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan once again highlighted the Kashmir issue in his recent address to the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. Erdogan’s remarks have reignited discussions on this long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan, underscoring the importance of international attention on the matter. 

Erdogan stressed in his speech the urgent need for a fair and long-lasting peace in Kashmir, the focal point of decades-long hostility between India and Pakistan. He was a staunch supporter of bringing about this peace through communication and collaboration between the two close neighbours, believing that such a result would not only be advantageous for the people of Kashmir but would also make a substantial contribution to regional peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia.

Erdogan’s commitment to ongoing support for actions done in this regard shows how dedicated he is to assisting attempts to find a solution to the Kashmir issue. This diplomatic action emphasises Turkey’s long-standing interest in the stability of the region and its readiness to assist in fostering communication between the parties.

After recently meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the Turkish President brought up Kashmir. While improving commerce and infrastructural ties between the two countries was the major topic of their discussions, Erdogan’s words at the UN General Assembly show that the Kashmir problem is still a concern for the international community.

Erdogan also praised India for its current position at the UN Security Council (UNSC). He used the occasion to push for a more extensive UNSC reform, suggesting that five permanent members and fifteen “temporary” members each receive permanent status through a rotating system. Erdogan’s approach reflects his conviction that the influence of only the current five permanent members—the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia—should not be the sole determinant of world affairs.

It is not a new event that Erdogan brought up the Kashmir problem during the UN General Assembly. He has consistently brought up the subject in recent years when delivering speeches at the esteemed international gathering. Erdogan highlighted the lack of harmony and cooperation between India and Pakistan last year, despite the two nations gaining sovereignty and independence 75 years ago. He underlined the desire for Kashmir to experience peace, prosperity, and justice.

In 2020, Erdogan’s pre-recorded video statement during the General Debate contained a reference to Jammu and Kashmir. India vehemently protested and called his comments “completely unacceptable.” India asked Turkey to respect other countries’ sovereignty and urged the Turkish leadership to reflect more deeply on its own policies.

Turkey’s sustained interest in the Kashmir issue is demonstrated by Erdogan’s frequent comments on it. Turkey’s foreign policy in South Asia continues to be heavily influenced by his conviction that India and Pakistan must cooperate and engage in discussion in order to find a durable solution to the Kashmir issue. The Turkish President’s repeated mention of the Kashmir problem during the UN General Assembly serves as a reminder of the value of international diplomacy in resolving prolonged conflicts. It further reiterates the need for India and Pakistan to hold substantive discussions in order to address the concerns and aspirations of the Kashmiri people and work towards a peaceful resolution of this delicate and complicated issue.

As the international community continues to observe developments in the region, the spotlight remains on the need for constructive engagement and peaceful negotiations to ensure the welfare and security of the people of Kashmir. Erdogan’s speech adds another chapter to the continuing conversation on this important topic by highlighting the responsibility of the international community to foster peace and security in South Asia.